Hydrangeas are big, strong, and popular bushes that come in a variety of types, each exhibiting its own unique beauty. From the grandiflora with its full white blossoms to the paniculata with its long, cone-shaped flowers, there is a hydrangea type for every garden. One standout in the hydrangea family is the quercifolia, also known as the oakleaf hydrangea. With its large, oak-shaped leaves and beautiful blooms, this variety is a favorite among gardeners. The tardiva is another popular hydrangea type that reaches its peak flowering time in late summer and early autumn, making it the perfect accompaniment to a garden filled with fall colors.
For those who prefer a hydrangea with less height, the serrata is a great choice. This variety typically grows to be around 3-5 feet tall and wide, making it a perfect fit for smaller gardens or containers. The petiolaris, or climbing hydrangea, is another standout with its ability to attach itself to walls and trees, creating a beautiful display in summertime. This hydrangea type is known for its pure white flowers and strong growth.
One hydrangea type that has been making waves in the gardening world is the invincibelle. This reblooming hydrangea is known for its ability to withstand cold temperatures and still produce beautiful blooms. The invincibelle comes in a variety of colors, from pink to snow white, and is a favorite among gardeners in cold climates.
With so many hydrangea types to choose from, it’s easy to find the right one to accompany your garden. Whether you prefer the big, showy blooms of the grandiflora, the delicate flowers of the serrata, or the reblooming nature of the invincibelle, there is a hydrangea variety that will fit your gardening needs. So next time you’re planting in your garden, consider adding a hydrangea to the mix. With their beautiful colors and unique shapes, they are sure to be a standout.
Source: “Hydrangea Types” by Marty
The Best Types of Hydrangeas to Grow in Your Garden
If you’re looking to add a touch of beauty to your garden, growing hydrangeas is a great option. With their stunning blooms and variety of shapes and colors, hydrangeas can quickly become the star of your landscape. While there are many varieties of hydrangeas to choose from, here are some of the best types to consider.
| Bigleaf Hydrangeas | The bigleaf hydrangeas, also known as mopheads, are famous for their large and spectacular blooms. They come in a wide range of colors, including blue, pink, purple, and white, depending on the soil pH. These hydrangeas are generally low-maintenance and can thrive in both full sun and part shade. |
| Paniculata Hydrangeas | The paniculata hydrangeas are known for their panicle-shaped flowers and strong foliage. One popular variety is the “Limelight,” which produces beautiful lime-green blooms that turn pink as they mature. Another great paniculata hydrangea is the “Vanille Fraise,” which features white blooms that gradually turn pink and then reddish in the fall. |
| Oakleaf Hydrangeas | The oakleaf hydrangeas are native to the United States and get their name from their distinct oak-like leaves. They are great for adding a touch of color to your garden, as their blooms go from white to beautiful shades of pink and red. These hydrangeas also have stunning fall foliage, adding seasonal interest to your landscape. |
| Climbing Hydrangeas | If you’re looking for a hydrangea variety that can climb and cling to walls or fences, the climbing hydrangeas are the ones to go for. One popular climbing hydrangea is the “Petiolaris,” which blooms with beautiful white flowers and has a strong growth habit. These hydrangeas are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your garden’s vertical space. |
| Incrediball® Hydrangeas | The Incrediball® hydrangeas are a proven favorite among gardeners. With their big and bold white blooms, these hydrangeas are sure to make a statement in your garden. They are also known for their strong stems, which prevent flopping. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance hydrangea variety that produces large and showy flowers, the Incrediball® hydrangeas are a great choice. |
| Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas | The “Vanilla Strawberry” hydrangea is a beautiful variety that produces stunning white blooms that gradually turn to shades of pink and then red, resembling a delicious strawberry ice cream cone. This hydrangea blooms profusely during the summer and is a great addition to any garden. |
| Limelight Hydrangeas | The “Limelight” hydrangeas are known for their quick growth and spectacular blooms. Their lime-green flowers turn to a creamy white color and then age to a rich, deep pink. These hydrangeas are also less prone to disease and yield strong stems, making them a popular choice for gardeners. |
| Invinicbelle Hydrangeas | The Invinicbelle hydrangeas are a series of low-maintenance hydrangea varieties that vary in size and color. One popular variety is the “Spirit II,” which produces beautiful pink blooms and has strong stems. Another popular variety is the “Ruby Queen,” known for its deep red blooms. These hydrangeas are perfect for beginners or those looking for hassle-free gardening. |
| Bobo Hydrangeas | The “Bobo” hydrangeas are compact and dwarf hydrangea varieties that are perfect for small gardens or containers. Despite their small size, they produce an abundance of white flowers that turn pink as they age. Their strong stems prevent flopping, ensuring a neat and tidy appearance in your garden. |
| Preziosa Hydrangeas | The “Preziosa” hydrangeas are known for their unique and eye-catching foliage. Their leaves have a winky, almost wrinkled appearance, adding texture and interest to your garden. These hydrangeas produce beautiful pink or blue blooms, depending on the soil pH. They are also relatively low-maintenance, making them a great choice for busy gardeners. |
These are just a few of the many hydrangea varieties available. Whether you’re looking for big and bold blooms, strong stems, low-maintenance plants, or unique foliage, there’s a hydrangea variety out there for you. Before planting, make sure to check the hardiness zone, height, and exposure requirements of each variety to ensure it will thrive in your garden.
Best Types of Hydrangeas for Full Sun
When it comes to finding the best types of hydrangeas for full sun, there are several options to consider. These hydrangeas thrive in bright sunlight and offer stunning colors and characteristics that are sure to liven up any garden.
- Hydrangea paniculata: This type of hydrangea is one of the most versatile and can withstand the heat of full sun. Its flowers come in shades of white, pink, and more. The hydrangea paniculata varieties are generally less demanding and can grow in zones 3 through 8.
- Hydrangea arborescens: These hydrangeas are known for their smooth leaves and mophead flowers. The most famous variety is the ‘Annabelle’, which turns pure white as it matures. Hydrangea arborescens thrive in zones 3 through 9.
- Hydrangea anomala: This hydrangea type offers outstanding climbing qualities and is great for decorating walls or fences. The most popular variety is ‘Petiolaris’ which blooms in the late spring or early summer. Hydrangea anomala typically grows in zones 4 through 8.
If you’re looking for hydrangeas that can tolerate full sun, these varieties are a great choice. From the smooth leaves of Hydrangea paniculata to the climbing nature of Hydrangea anomala, there’s a hydrangea suitable for every garden. So, go ahead and select your favorite and watch your garden come to life with these beautiful hydrangeas!
Outstanding Panicle Hydrangea Varieties
When it comes to panicle hydrangeas, there are some outstanding varieties that are sure to be winners in your garden. With their unique characteristics and stunning colors, these hydrangeas are a favorite among gardeners all around America.
One of the most popular panicle hydrangea varieties is the Incrediball®. With its large white blooms that turn a pure and strong lime green as the season progresses, the Incrediball® is a showstopper. It also has a long blooming period, so you can enjoy its beauty for much of the summer.
Another favorite is the ‘Limelight’ hydrangea. This cultivar is known for its unique color, which is a mixture of lime green and pink. As the flowers age, they turn a deeper pink and even reddish color, adding even more interest to your garden. This hydrangea is a quick grower and can reach a height and spread of around 6 to 10 feet, making it a great choice for larger landscapes.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance hydrangea, the Bobo® and Little Lime® varieties are perfect options. These compact panicle hydrangeas grow to a height and spread of around 3 to 5 feet, making them ideal for smaller gardens or containers. Both varieties produce abundant white blooms that gradually turn a shade of pink as the season progresses.
For those who prefer a climbing hydrangea, the Hydrangea petiolaris and Hydrangea aspera are great choices. The petiolaris is known for its impressive climbing abilities, clinging to walls and fences with ease. It produces large white flowers that give off a delicate scent. The aspera, on the other hand, has unique, velvety leaves and produces pink flowers that are even pinker than those of other panicle hydrangeas.
Two other outstanding panicle hydrangea varieties are the Quick Fire® and the Fire Light®. These cultivars produce large cone-shaped flowers that start off white and gradually turn a deep pink and then a reddish color. They are both sterile, meaning they do not produce any fertile seeds, so you don’t have to worry about them self-seeding and taking over your garden.
With so many outstanding panicle hydrangea varieties to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one favorite. Whether you prefer the classic white blooms of the Incrediball® or the distinct colors of the ‘Limelight’ and the Quick Fire®, there’s a panicle hydrangea out there for every garden. So let’s get growing and enjoy the beauty and variety of these amazing hydrangeas!
